The bill amends Vermont law to enhance the jurisdiction of the Family Division over juvenile proceedings, particularly concerning youthful offenders and motor vehicle offenses related to alcohol and drug use. It grants the Family Division exclusive jurisdiction over these cases, including those involving commercial drivers' licenses, and mandates that all convictions for motor vehicle offenses be reported to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles. Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions and provisions for operating a vehicle under the influence, requiring individuals involved in serious crashes to submit to blood tests upon law enforcement request, and establishes penalties for refusal to comply with testing.

Moreover, the bill modifies existing laws on impaired driving, focusing on the evidentiary testing process and penalties for violations. It introduces provisions for license suspension in cases of test refusal or high alcohol concentration results, and establishes a rebuttable presumption regarding alcohol concentration levels. The bill also increases penalties for causing death or serious injury due to impaired driving, particularly for repeat offenders. To further address these issues, it creates the Impaired Driving Processing Task Force to study implied consent during investigations and recommend improvements to reduce detention times for suspects. The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 4-33, 23-13, 33-5202, 33-5229
As Passed By the House -- Official: 4-33, 23-13, 33-5202, 33-5229
As Passed By the House -- Unofficial: 4-33, 23-13, 33-5202, 33-5229
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 4-33, 23-13, 33-5202, 33-5229
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 4-33, 23-13, 33-5202, 33-5229
As Enacted: 4-33, 23-13, 33-5202, 33-5229